Art Director

The Art Director develops and executes compelling, strategically driven creative that strengthens brands, engages audiences, and supports client business objectives. Combining conceptual thinking, strong design craftsmanship, and hands-on execution, this role delivers high-quality creative across digital, print, social, video, and integrated marketing campaigns.

Working collaboratively with creative leadership, strategists, account teams, and production partners, the Art Director translates client objectives into distinctive visual concepts and effective communications. The position requires versatility across brands and industries, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a commitment to creative excellence from concept through final delivery.

The Art Director also embraces AI and emerging creative technologies to expand ideation, improve efficiency, and enhance creative output while maintaining originality, brand integrity, and sound creative judgment. Through collaboration, constructive feedback, and continuous learning, this role helps elevate the quality and effectiveness of SASSO's creative work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Strategy and Concept Development

• Translate creative briefs, client objectives, audience insights, and brand strategies into original, compelling creative concepts.
• Research client industries, competitors, and audiences to inform creative direction and recommendations.
• Develop campaign concepts, visual identities, design systems, and storytelling approaches across multiple channels.
• Collaborate with strategists, copywriters, and account teams to align creative solutions with business and marketing goals.
• Contribute to brand strategy, naming, messaging, and campaign development when appropriate.

Art Direction and Design Execution

• Develop and execute visual creative from initial concept through final production, maintaining quality and strategic alignment.
• Design original assets including brand identities, advertising campaigns, digital experiences, social content, presentations, illustrations, and marketing collateral.
• Establish visual direction through typography, imagery, composition, color, and layout while maintaining brand consistency.
• Adapt creative across print, web, mobile, social, video, and emerging platforms.
• Collaborate with motion designers, video producers, photographers, developers, and external partners to execute integrated creative work.
• Prepare and proof production-ready deliverables for technical accuracy, brand standards, and overall quality.

AI Integration and Emerging Creative Technologies

• Integrate AI-assisted tools into creative research, ideation, concept development, design exploration, and production workflows.
• Leverage generative AI for visual references, mood boards, concept studies, image development, and creative variations.
• Apply AI-enabled design, imaging, and motion capabilities to improve efficiency, expand creative options, and accelerate production.
• Evaluate AI-generated outputs for originality, accuracy, quality, and brand alignment while following agency policies for responsible AI use.
• Explore emerging tools and recommend practical applications that strengthen creative capabilities and agency efficiency.

Creative Production and Performance

• Produce polished creative deliverables that meet project objectives, technical requirements, budgets, and deadlines.
• Collaborate with media and performance teams to develop creative assets appropriate for specific channels, audiences, and campaign goals.
• Develop creative variations for testing and use available performance insights to inform refinements and future iterations.
• Provide art direction for photography, video, animation, and other production activities as assigned.
• Coordinate with production vendors and partners to ensure quality, consistency, and efficient execution.

Collaboration and Creative Leadership

• Collaborate across agency disciplines to ensure creative aligns with strategy, project requirements, and client expectations.
• Present creative concepts, design rationale, and recommendations clearly to internal teams and clients.
• Participate in brainstorming, creative reviews, client discovery, and new business presentations.
• Provide constructive feedback, creative guidance, and mentoring to designers and interns as assigned.
• Help elevate agency creative standards through collaboration, shared learning, and thoughtful critique.

Project Management and Accountability

• Manage multiple creative assignments while balancing priorities, quality, deadlines, and resources.
• Coordinate with creative leadership and account teams to clarify requirements, maintain project status, and anticipate challenges.
• Incorporate client and internal feedback efficiently without compromising creative integrity.
• Support project estimates, production planning, and vendor coordination as needed.
• Maintain organized files and project assets while taking ownership of assigned work through completion.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, advertising, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of professional design or art direction experience, preferably in an agency environment.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, design craftsmanship, brand development, and integrated campaigns.
• Experience producing creative across digital, print, social, and other marketing channels.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, presenting creative work, and providing creative guidance.

Technical Skills:

• Design Software: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Digital Design: Working knowledge of Figma, web and mobile design principles, and digital creative production.
• Motion and Video: Familiarity with After Effects, Premiere Pro, or comparable production tools.
• AI-Assisted Creative Tools: Proficiency or demonstrated experience using generative AI and AI-enabled applications for ideation, image development, editing, and production.
• Creative Production: Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, branding, print production, and digital asset preparation.
• Project Management: Familiarity with Teamwork or comparable project management platforms.
• Communication: Strong presentation skills and the ability to explain creative decisions and recommendations effectively.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Creative Thinking and Craftsmanship: Produces original, visually compelling, strategically relevant creative with strong attention to detail.
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Connects creative decisions to client objectives while proactively identifying practical solutions.
• Adaptability and Learning: Embraces new technologies, evolving creative practices, and changing priorities.
• Collaboration and Communication: Works effectively across disciplines, welcomes feedback, and communicates clearly.
• Ownership and Accountability: Independently manages responsibilities and consistently delivers quality work on time.
• Creative Leadership: Shares knowledge, provides constructive guidance, and contributes to a collaborative creative culture.